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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

Catalina 25 Specific Forum

Wheel Steering

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luckystar
Navigator

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USA
236 Posts

Initially Posted - 08/01/2002 : 21:48:03

Anybody out there have the wheel steering option on their C25's? I found one thread in the archives, but it's incomplete. I was hoping to get a perspective from someone who has one to know about placement, installation and likes, dislikes. I've always liked my tiller for the responsiveness, but have enjoyed how much easier my friends on 30s and up have it with the wheel for cruising. Especially when handing the helm off to someone a little less experienced. It's a chunk of change ($1500 to be exact) for even the most basic system from Edson, and I know that most would say just move up to another boat. But I really love my C25. I love the economy of it. How easy it is to take care of. It's perfect for me and my friends, but just a few conveniences would make it even better. Like wheel steering and AC built in. I forsee the main sheet getting in the way, what else should I be thinking about here? Just looking for perspectives, not a raging debate. Thanks!

Patrick Burnett, Little Rock, AR
S/V Lucky Star #2707 1982 SK/SR

Edited by - on

Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 08/01/2002 : 22:23:29

Hi Patrick...

Sorry, but we'll have a raging debate any chance we get! <img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>

I have never seen a wheel on a C-25, although I've seen them on C-250s and a few other boats that size. But if easy cruising is an objective, adding an autopilot for a tiller is substantially simpler (and I suspect less expensive) than adding it for a wheel system. And quite a few people on this forum have raved about that addition. It may be a much more cost-effective addition than a wheel system.

Dave Bristle - 1985 C-25 #5032 SR-FK-Dinette "Passage" in SW CT

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luckystar
Navigator

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USA
236 Posts

Response Posted - 08/01/2002 : 23:25:05

Thanks. I'd been thinking that direction as well, but wondered, as I've never sailed with an autopilot, what it would really be like? Would it be something that constantly needed adjusting here with my quirky lake winds and be more trouble than helming the tiller without or would it, even as small as they are, restrict cockpit flow and comfort? (i guess that's a stupid thing to say, the wheel and pedestal probably take a quite a chunk out of the cockpit size, eh!?) But, as I said, I don't have a good perspective on it. Maybe someone can tell what that's like for them. I'll search the archives on that topic. AND, yes, you're right, much less costly and less labor intensive! Save the $1000 plus install time and use it else where on other convenience upgrades that I'm intending to do now that the boat is paid off. I'd still like to see what they look like in practical use. Not a lot of pictures of C25's with wheels out there. The only one I've seen is in our photo gallery. Thanks again for the reply!!

Patrick Burnett, Little Rock, AR
S/V Lucky Star #2707 1982 SK/SR

Edited by - on

Douglas
Master Marine Consultant

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1595 Posts

Response Posted - 08/01/2002 : 23:55:18

I have seen a couple of C-25s with the wheel. Both had switched to a smaller diamiter wheel. They had trouble getting behind the wheel when trading off or single handing. Once the unit is mounted into the cockpit thats it. You cant move it out of the way if you want access to BBQ on the stern rail. The tiller lifts up and can be stowed but the wheel is a permanent fixture. I always enjoy versatility so I opt for the tiller. On the C-250 it belongs and the boat seems to have been designed around it.

Doug&Ruth
Wind Lass
Tacoma Wa.

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dlucier
Master Marine Consultant

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Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
7583 Posts

Response Posted - 08/02/2002 : 15:35:11

Patrick,

I agree with Dave in that it would probably be better to get an autopilot instead of the wheel steering. On a boat with a cockpit the size of our C25's, there isn't a lot of room to spare, so adding wheel steering will only make things more tight. A tiller can be pushed out of the way when you are docked to open up the cockpit and since it is much simpler than wheel steering, less prone to breakage and easier to maintain. To get a feel for how much your cockpit mobility is restricted with a wheel steering unit, put a tempoary object in the cockpit about the same size as a steering unit and go sailing for a day. This might make it easier for you to make up your mind. As for the autopilot, I just installed one this spring and have used it extensively this summer. I highly recommend autopilots especially if you are a singlehanded sailor.

Don Lucier, North Star
C25 SR/FK

Edited by - on

Nancy Cole
Deckhand

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USA
22 Posts

Response Posted - 08/02/2002 : 18:19:40

Greetings

Well let me speak on behalf of those with wheels. I have a C 25/78 and I love my wheel. The great disadvantage is that it takes up space. I usually sail with two or three friends and we work around it. We step up a lot and walk past on top of the lazarettes - not easy to do underway but no one has gotten hit yet.

I have sailed with both a tiller and a rudder and I like my wheel better. A deep dark secret that I don't often share is that I am older and wider and a wheel and the pedestal give me something to hang on to. Its easier on my knees. Nuf said. Happy sailing.

Nancy Cole
By George/C-25/78/#501
New London, CT

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Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 08/02/2002 : 21:47:17

Nancy: Since you may be the only contributor actually with a wheel, how far forward of the transom is the pedestal? Can you stand behind the wheel without being bothered (or decapitated) by the mainsheet? I'm sure Patrick would like to know. (I'm happy you like it, but the tiller is almost like a part of me.)

Dave Bristle - 1985 C-25 #5032 SR-FK-Dinette "Passage" in SW CT

Edited by - on

luckystar
Navigator

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USA
236 Posts

Response Posted - 08/02/2002 : 22:20:58

Hey, thanks guys. Yes, Dave and Nancy, How is the wheel setup in the cockpit? Also, on the autopilot deal, where does it attach, how far back? How is it to adjust? How much juice do they suck? Like I said, lake sailing here, we joke that you can sail every point of sail in 15 minutes some days! Can you set way points? Is digital better? LIke the autohelm models? I like the price on the autopilot and may consider it for this fall. As cheap as they are these days...(well, at least, cheaper than a wheel!) Thanks again for the advice and options to everyone. I'd still love to get more detailed info on installs, DC drain, stability of autopilots, etc.

Patrick Burnett, Little Rock, AR
S/V Lucky Star #2707 1982 SK/SR

Edited by - on

Dennis Pierce
1st Mate

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USA
59 Posts

Response Posted - 08/03/2002 : 08:19:58

Somewhere, I've seen a wheel steering unit that mounts to the transom
and the wheel can be used from either side of the boat and there is plenty of room in the cockpit.

I'm a hot rodder and I think that a Corvair steering box turned sideways so that the pittman arm could link directly to the rudder might work.

Any thoughts?

Dennis Pierce
Gypsy Witch #1719

Edited by - on

Dennis Pierce
1st Mate

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USA
59 Posts

Response Posted - 08/03/2002 : 08:20:07

Edited by - on

Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 08/03/2002 : 11:19:46

I recall a "rack and pinion" system in the Tech Tips... Don't have time right now to look for it. Corvair steering box, huh? Can I also hook up the 3-speed floor shifter to my outboard?

Patrick: Try searching on "autopilot" and looking in the Tech Tips from the association page. Also, you might want to start a new thread about that--so some of the autopilot users will notice and respond.

Dave Bristle - 1985 C-25 #5032 SR-FK-Dinette "Passage" in SW CT

Edited by - Dave Bristle on 08/03/2002 11:21:47

Edited by - on

Don Hood
1st Mate

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30 Posts

Response Posted - 08/03/2002 : 19:25:29

The boat's name in the tech tips is the Boondoggle. I don't know how to put pix into the message but there is a nice pic in the tips section.

I still like my tiler.

Don on Namaste' #1929 swk

Edited by - on

Nancy Cole
Deckhand

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USA
22 Posts

Response Posted - 08/03/2002 : 22:51:25

Patrick/Dave - The wheel is well forward in the cockpit. I recently looked into buying a folding pedestal table but I didn't have enough room between the front of the pedestal and the companionway. If I think about it I would say the wheel is just about flush with the forward edge of the cockpit cubby holes - sorry I don't know the real name. I don't know why it is placed so far forward - it was like that when I got it. I think the previous owner did a lot of singlehanded sailing. He could reach the cabin top fairly easily and both jib sheets. That could be the reason.

Despite the inconveniences, I really like it.

Nancy
By George/78/#501
New London

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Bill Holcomb
Admiral

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USA
769 Posts

Response Posted - 08/05/2002 : 09:14:01

Hi All,

I've seen a couple of C25s with wheel steering (Edson setups).

The reason that the wheel has to be placed about the midpoint in the cockpit floor is two fold: 1) the back of the wheel has to be forward of the fuel locker hatch so that you can get to your fuel tank. and 2) Many skippers like to stand behind the wheel to steer. You need to be forward of your backstay and mainsheet system to do this. Of course, you can move your mainsheet forward in the cockpit or to the cabin top to help with half of #2.

Bill Holcomb - C25 Snickerdoodle #4839

Edited by - on

Lowell
1st Mate

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USA
30 Posts

Response Posted - 08/10/2002 : 02:31:52

I have an '87 C25 that the previous owner had set up with a Merriman wheel steering system. The mainsheet and traveler were moved to a location between the cockpit benches immediately aft of the companion way so that it is a little lower that the companion way threshold. At first I thought that it would be in the way, but after three seasons it doesn't bother me at all.

The wheel pedestal is located about even with the forward edge of the fuel tank compartment so it doesn't get in the way. I have a split back stay. When I'm motoring or want a better view forward I am able to stand at the wheel between the stays with no problem. I generally sit forward of the wheel when sailing. I have very good access to the main and jib sheets from that position. It also puts my weight forward in the cockpit. The wheel has a friction adjustment so that I can lock it where ever I choose.

The only problem that I have with wheel steering is that it is not as manueverable in tight spots such as near the docks. I've become fairly competent at using the motor to help steer in those situations.

Lowell Heenan
Dreamer 5655

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